The 2019 H.A.M.B. Drags By Nate Luke

So last year he just sort of showed up. I didn’t think much about it and don’t think Carl did either. “Yeah. Sure. Take some pictures I guess – just don’t get in the way.”

And then, a few days after the event, a few of his pictures started to get out in the world. Just about everyone that saw them was blown away. I wanted more and contacted him, but had minimal success with the milking procedure that followed. Eventually, I gave up.

A few days before the 2019 H.A.M.B. Drags, I got an email from Nate Luke asking if he could attend again. I jumped at it and this time made it a point to meet him in person. Much to my surprise, it turned out that he was one of us – a car guy fascinated with the golden era of drag racing. I think his first line to me was something along the lines of:

“I recently got a hold of a bunch of 1960’s era drag publications. The photography was really fascinating and I think I’m gonna take that approach with my shots this year.”

Yesterday, I got his shots and could instantly feel the texture of the 1960’s within them. It’s as if Henri Cartier-Benson went on location for Drag Racing or Super Stock Magazine, shot a few dozen rolls of film, and we get to look at the prints before they hit the presses. They are special man.

You can see more of Nate’s work here. He’s big time and I’m pretty damned honored to have him shoot our little event – even if it was a rain out.

Check it out: